The selected businesses, coined ‘Ventures’, are all led by women and were voted on by Coralus’ community of female and non-binary people. One such Venture selected for 2024 support is Matakohe Architecture + Urbanism, a kaupapa Māori design studio working alongside hapū, iwi and Māori community organisations to realise its aspirations for the built environment.

Says Jade Kake of being selected: “Being a part of this international network is an amazing opportunity for us as a cohort to think globally and in a more connected way. As a community and as a not-for-profit venture capital platform, Coralus demonstrates the power of collectivity and collective ability to invest in what is important to us, outside of short-term political cycles.”

Vicki Saunders, founder of Coralus (formerly known as SheEO), is delighted by the business solutions tackling the world’s to-do list that this year’s Ventures are bringing to the table. 

“This year, we are thrilled to welcome six new Ventures, each ready to forge their own path with the backing of our dynamic community of over 700 women + nonbinary folks in New Zealand and a global network of more than 7000 women + nonbinary worldwide,” says Saunders.

The 2024 Venture cohort are all purpose-led businesses that span a number of industries including food and beverage, education and FMCG, proving that a difference can be made regardless of your area. This year, half of the named Ventures are founded by wāhine Māori.

Saunders says we need Kiwi entrepreneurs that solve real-world problems, and Coralus exists to support them to thrive locally and globally. “Successful businesses are vital for driving economic growth and building a prosperous future for generations to come.

She points out that the six Ventures are intertwined through themes of innovation, environmental stewardship, and whanaungatanga (connectedness), which resonate with Coralus’s own principles.

“Coralus Aotearoa New Zealand has achieved incredible progress since its launch in 2017, raising $1.7 million of community capital in circulation. Female and non-binary entrepreneurs often face barriers to securing investment, which is exactly why Coralus was founded.

“Every year the entrepreneurs selected as successful Ventures tell us they benefit from more than just financial backing – they value the support by a network of business leaders and innovators who prioritise relationships, mentorship and professional growth.”

The 2024 Coralus Ventures are:

PAUSE for Tea

Based on Waiheke Island and founded by Timmy Smith, PAUSE for TEA crafts from whenua (land), for whenua, by Tangata Whenua (people of the land) non-alcoholic beverages from organic, and by-product botanicals.

Heart and Brain Works Ltd

Based in Auckland and founded by Georgi Toma, Heart and Brain Works provides a comprehensive solution for mental health at work by addressing both the work environment and individual capability using a data-driven, creative and evidence-based approach.

Matakohe Architecture and Urbanism

Based in Whangārei and founded by Jade Kake, Matakohe Architecture and Urbanism Ltd is a kaupapa Māori design studio working alongside hapū, iwi and Māori community organisations to realise their aspirations for the built environment.

Poutawa Ltd

Based in Hamilton and founded by Genae Thompson, Poutawa Ltd specialise in te reo Māori resources, and curriculum design, using digital technology, online apps, and interactive learning to engage and excite learners.

Solid

Based in Porirua and founded by Laura Nixon, Solid is on a mission to stop the 1.5 billion plastic toothpaste tubes that go to landfill worldwide by specialising in plastic-free toothpaste, tablets and powders that are vegan, cruelty free, palm oil free and are reusable and refillable.

Vince

Based in Whangārei and founded by Debbie Stowe, Vince is an innovative, award-winning meal solution that promotes veggies and healthy eating, and reduces mealtime stress for families.

How it Works: The Coralus model has hundreds of women and non-binary folks (called Activators) contributing capital into a collective fund as an act of radical generosity, with the money loaned out at no interest to women and non-binary-led businesses (called Ventures) working on the world’s ‘to do’ list and paid back over a five-year period. Selected Ventures also get access to Coralus’ networks, buying power and expertise to grow their business.

About Coralus

Coralus (formerly SheEO) is a high-impact economic + social model powered by a uniquely inclusive community founded by Vicki Saunders. Members offer and access resources at their own pace, creating a self-regenerating, pay-it-forward pool of skills, connections, funds, and support then used to advance ventures and the collective doing world changing work.

Coralus has circulated nearly $19M to 190+ women- and non-binary-led ventures by distributing capital via collective decision-making. 45% of those founders are from chronically excluded racial and ethnic groups. The payback rate on its unsecured 0% interest loans is 95%. Founded in Canada in 2015, Coralus’ current footprint includes the US, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

For more information or to see the complete list of Ventures and Activators, please visit coralus.world.